SAIP II Program in Ngororero, Rwanda Provides Chickens to Families, Cutting Child Stunting
The Second Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project in Ngororero, Rwanda, is providing support to at-risk families by distributing four chickens to each household, enhancing both nutrition and income. Anne Marie Mushimiyimana reported that her child's malnutrition improved significantly after incorporating eggs into their diet. The region has witnessed a reduction in child stunting from 50.5% in 2020 to 35.8% by 2026. Additionally, the initiative has trained families in vegetable cultivation and nutrition, benefiting 2,700 families with chickens, 2,500 with mushroom-growing supplies, and 600 with biofortified sweet potato seeds, according to Evode Imanimurinde.
Key facts
- SAIP II gave four chickens to vulnerable families with small children in Ngororero, Rwanda
- Anne Marie Mushimiyimana, a mother of three, said a malnourished child gained about one kilogram in a week after eggs were added to the diet
- Stunting among children in Ngororero dropped from 50.5% in 2020 to 35.8% in 2026, according to the local government
- Mushimiyimana's flock grew from four chickens to seven, and surplus eggs are sold for needs including community-based health insurance
- Families also receive training on balanced diets and vegetable growing, plus amaranth, spinach and carrot seeds
- 2,700 families received chickens and chicken coops, 2,500 households received mushroom-growing tubes, and 600 families received biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato planting materials
- Evode Imanimurinde, Nutrition Specialist at SAIP II, said the goal is to build a household nutrition system rather than simply distribute chickens or seeds
- Mushimiyimana provides eggs to community kitchens that cook healthy meals for children in the area
Entities
Artists
- Anne Marie Mushimiyimana
- Evode Imanimurinde
Institutions
- Second Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project
- SAIP II
- Top African News
- My Modern Met
- Depositphotos
- Rawpixel
Locations
- Ngororero
- Rwanda